Professional Woman

NYC Commercial Photography

Your Professional
Photo Styling Guide

Look like the expert you are

02

Welcome to Your
Style Journey

You're about to invest in photos that will represent your brand for years to come. This guide will help you show up looking and feeling like the expert you are.

Inside, you'll find everything you need to prepare for your session with confidence.

- Destin, Sentoe Films

Professional Portrait

What's Inside

3Colors That Work
4Colors to Avoid
5Women's Outfits
6Men's Outfits
7Grooming Guide
8What to Bring
9Day-Of Timeline
10Session Tips
11Photo Usage

Colors That
Photograph Best

Solid colors in rich, deep tones create the most professional, timeless images.

03
Navy Blue

Navy & Deep Blues

Jewel Tones

Jewel Tones

Earth Tones

Earth Tones

Neutrals

Elegant Neutrals

Black Classic

Classic Black

Colors &
Patterns to Avoid

These can distract from your face, cause visual noise, or photograph poorly.

04
Neon Colors
Neon Colors
Busy Patterns
Busy Patterns
Large Logos
Visible Logos
All White
Head-to-Toe White

Pro Tip

When in doubt, choose solid colors. They create a timeless look that won't date your photos and keeps the focus on you.

Outfit
Inspiration
Women

  • Tailored blazers elevate any look
  • Solid blouses in jewel tones
  • Structured dresses photograph well
  • Minimal, elegant jewelry
  • Avoid chunky accessories
05
Professional Woman 1 Professional Woman 2 Professional Woman 3 Professional Woman 4 Professional Woman 5

Outfit
Inspiration
Men

  • Well-fitted suits are always classic
  • Crisp dress shirts in solid colors
  • Smart casual works for many brands
  • Subtle watch or cufflinks only
  • Ensure clothes are pressed
06
Professional Man 1 Professional Man 2 Professional Man 3 Professional Man 4 Professional Man 5

Grooming
Checklist

Small details make a big difference in how polished you look on camera.

07

Hair

Get a haircut 5-7 days before. Style the morning of your session as you normally would.

Skin

Stay hydrated. No new skincare products the week before. Get plenty of rest.

Makeup

Natural, matte finish works best. Avoid shimmer or glitter. We can do minor touch-ups.

Nails

Clean, trimmed nails. Neutral polish if any. Hands often appear in photos.

Facial Hair

Men: Shave or trim morning of. Clean lines photograph better than stubble.

Glasses

Clean lenses thoroughly. Consider anti-glare or contacts if glare is an issue.

1 Week
Haircut
3 Days
Prep Outfits
1 Day
Rest Well
Morning
Final Touches

What to Bring
to Your Session

Come prepared with everything you need for a smooth, successful session.

08

Wardrobe

  • 2-3 complete outfit options
  • Backup shirt (in case of wrinkles)
  • Variety of necklines
  • Layering pieces (blazer, cardigan)
  • Steamed/pressed clothing

Touch-Up Kit

  • Blotting papers / powder
  • Lip balm / lipstick
  • Hair brush / styling product
  • Deodorant
  • Breath mints

Brand Props

  • Laptop (if relevant to your work)
  • Books you've written
  • Products you sell
  • Awards or certificates
  • Branded items (subtle)

For Comfort

  • Water bottle
  • Light snacks
  • Phone charger
  • Comfortable shoes for travel
  • Inspiration photos (Pinterest board)
Preparation

Your Session
Day Timeline

Here's what to expect so you can arrive relaxed and ready.

09
Morning

Final Prep at Home

Shower, style hair, apply makeup. Eat a good breakfast. Double-check your outfit bag.

15 min early

Arrive at Studio

Take a moment to settle in. Use the restroom. Have some water. Deep breaths.

First 10 min

Welcome & Review

We'll discuss your goals, review your outfits together, and plan our shots.

60-75 min

The Photo Session

Relaxed shooting with direction and guidance. Multiple looks and backgrounds. Music playing.

Final 5 min

Wrap Up

Quick preview of a few shots. Discuss delivery timeline (typically 5-7 business days).

5-7 days

Gallery Delivered

Your professionally edited images arrive in your inbox, ready to use everywhere.

Studio Session

Session Day Tips

1

Trust the Process

I'll guide you through every pose. You don't need to know what to do with your hands.

2

Move Slowly

Small movements look best on camera. Subtle shifts create natural, relaxed images.

3

Breathe & Relax

Take deep breaths between shots. Relax your shoulders. Unclench your jaw.

4

Think Happy Thoughts

Real smiles come from real feelings. Think of someone who makes you laugh.

5

Ask Questions

Curious about anything? Just ask. This is a collaborative experience.

Where to Use
Your New Photos

Maximize your investment by updating these key touchpoints.

11

LinkedIn

Your most important professional touchpoint

400 x 400 px

Instagram

Feed posts and story highlights

1080 x 1080 px

Email Signature

Every email becomes a touchpoint

150 x 150 px

Website

About page, team page, homepage

Various sizes

Speaker Bios

Conferences, podcasts, media kits

High-res provided

Press & PR

Media features, articles, interviews

High-res provided
30+

Images Delivered

You'll receive a variety of crops, expressions, and backgrounds to cover all your needs across every platform.

NYC Skyline

Ready to look like the
expert you are?

(646) 462-7341
Contact@sentoefilms.com
Book Your Session